"I love the LCI All-Season Tournament!" declared long-time angler Gerry Hartley of Fairfax, VT. "It gives me five-months' worth of fishing, where every time I fish Lake Champlain from May through September I stand the possibility of catching a winner! This tournament has become a favorite for many local fishermen."

The 19th Annual Lake Champlain International (LCI) All-Season Tournament (AST) presented by Gander Mountain celebrated another successful year on Friday, October 19, 2012 with a barbeque and awards ceremony at the Gander Mountain store in Plattsburgh, NY. AST anglers enjoyed great food, good music, and in-store discounts, followed by the presentation of checks and trophies.

More than 1,100 anglers participated in the five-month competition for the biggest of the big Lake Champlain fish. "Once again, Lake Champlain proves itself as one of the best fisheries in the Northeast," said LCI Outreach Director Eric LaMontagne. "Lake Champlain's diverse fish species, easy access, and variety of fishing opportunities make the Lake a great fishing destination. The sheer number and size of the fish entered during the All-Season Tournament presented by Gander Mountain is a testament to what Lake Champlain can offer an angler."

The AST brings the best fish in three categories - warm water, cool water, and cold water - into play for thousands of dollars in cash prizes. Winners are determined by ordering the first place monthly winners in each category by point score, resulting in the top five anglers in each category. The first place fish for 2012 were:

Cold water - 17.53 lb Lake Trout

Cool water - 10.14 lb Walleye

Warm water- 6.87 lb Largemouth Bass

Additionally, LCI awards a Lonely Lunker prize to the highest point fish that does not win a monthly prize in each division. The Lonely Lunker presented by Twisted Tea winners for 2012 are:

Cold water - 13.75 lb Lake Trout

Cool water - 8.75 lb Walleye

Warm water - 6.26 lb Largemouth Bass

"The 2012 All-Season could not have been so successful without the support of our fantastic partners." continued LaMontagne. "We are extremely fortunate to have had the support of Gander Mountain as presenting sponsor. Additionally, their staff was welcoming and gracious as host of our end-of-season party. Gander Mountain's support for this event, and LCI's mission of a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain, is extremely appreciated by everyone who participated in this annual tradition."

"Gander Mountain is pleased to have partnered with LCI on this great event." stated Tim Skiba, Director of Marketing at Gander Mountain. "The All-Season Tournament was an excellent way for us to show our support for the conservation and fisheries restoration efforts on Lake Champlain while also making participating anglers aware of our outstanding product lines and services."

Partner Information

Based in St. Paul, MN, Gander Mountain Company operates the nation's largest retailnetwork of stores for hunting, fishing, camping, and marine products and accessories. There are currently 114 conveniently located Gander Mountain outdoor lifestyle stores in 23 states. For the nearest store location call 800-282-5993 or visit www.GanderMountain.com

Based in Cincinnati, OH, Twisted Tea was founded in 2001 on the twisted promise that hard iced tea should taste like real iced tea. Visit www.twistedtea.com to use their Product Finder.

Lake Champlain International (LCI) is a non-profit organization located in Colchester, Vermont, with the mission of ensuring a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain. Charged with the conservation of Lake Champlain and its watershed, LCI hosts several events, programs, and activities that help ensure the future of the lake for generations to come. Visit www.mychamplain.net to get involved.

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